History Archives - Destination's Journey

15 October 202415 October 2024

Richmond Vale Railway Hunter Valley

Richmond Vale Railway

The Richmond Vale Railway Museum is located just outside of Kurri Kurri New South Wales. Run by volunteers, it is set in the old Pelaw Main colliery and aims to preserve local railway history. Unfortunately a bushfire went through the area in early 2018, destroying a large section of track and many old wagons that were in storage. The volunteers have restored some of the track, so the trains are running again, but not out to the old colliery. You do however get to ride in a steam train.

The entry fee allows access to the grounds, manager’s residence and the steam train ride. The old colliery buildings and processing plant are fenced off for safety reasons, but you can still take photos as the view through the fence is good. Unfortunately, when we visited the old manager’s residence was locked, so we couldn’t look through the interior. However, it was worth a look around the outside of this impressive looking building.

On the grounds, you will find a nicely preserved old steam train and the steam train ride. The train runs regularly, so don’t worry if you miss it. The ride is not very long but enjoyable.

Steam Train at Richmond Vale Railway Museum

There is a small playground, where children can climb over a small train engine. Nearby a miniature train provides rides for visitors.

Old Coal Wagons Richmond Vale Railway — Old Coal Wagons

Old Mine Processing Plant Richmond Vale Railway Museum — Old Mine Processing Plant

To see what else there is to do in the Hunter Valley, please see some of our other stories.

20 August 202414 August 2024

ANZAC Memorial Sydney

ANZAC Memorial Hyde Park Sydney

The ANZAC Memorial was built to commemorate the Australian Imperial Force of World War I. It is the focal point of the southern section of Hyde Park, along with the Pool of Reflection. On ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, the memorial is the central focus of the ceremonies, so it can be extremely busy.

120,000 gold stars covered the domed ceiling, representing all those from New South Wales who served in World War One. The centre piece of the interior is a bronze statue of a deceased youth, representing a soldier, held aloft on his shield.

On the ground floor, a gallery has exhibits from military conflicts NSW citizens have been involved with. These range from the Sudan (1885) to Afghanistan, with an emphasis on the First World War.

To the north is the pool of reflection and a long tree-lined pathway. It is very shady and cool in the Australian summer. It is a great place to sit quietly and relax.

16 August 202414 August 2024

Denman and District Heritage Village

Located in Denman a small town in the New South Wales Hunter Valley, the Denman and District Heritage Village has an extensive and unique exhibition made up of objects and artefacts. Donated primarily by local Jeff Wolfgang, the exhibits are housed in a beautiful, new building that opened in November 2023.

Run by a staff of volunteers, the museum is bright and spacious with lots of room around the displays. Unlike many local museums, this one is not over-crowded with exhibits getting in each others way. It was easy to move around and view all of the items on display.

With its location in a farming district, it’s not surprising that there is a lot of farm equipment, from the first Caterpillar dozer to old cheese making presses and butter churns. A significant portion of the items on display are cars. For a small museum, it’s an impressive collection and worth the visit in itself.

Obviously passionate about the museum, the volunteer staff were great to talk to, with stories about the displays and their history.